rodrigoandrade writes: I'm almost 36 and, as I grow older, I no longer feel passionate about my current hobbies (mainly listening to heavy metal and playing video games--on a PC). Leaving aside the ideological discussion on the current state of the gaming industry, and the fact that new heavy metal bands really suck, I've come to accept the fact that I'm just getting old. I don't want to be 50 and still be listening to Motorhead or playing Doom. The burning desire to download Far Cry 3 or the new Helloween album just isn't there anymore.

Over the past 35 years, I've had several hobbies. Otherwise, I'd have gone crazy just studying and working all the tim. I've done a lot, from backgammon to amateur bodybuilding, including playing the bass, watching NHRA, and building model trains. I don't feel like going back to any of them, as I like trying new things (I'll watch Daytona 500 this Sunday, though).

So, I'm looking for suggestions for a new hobby. Here are a few guidelines so you're not completely in the dark.

1. I hate outdoors and nature stuff, so mountain biking, rock climbing and such are out of the question.2. Money isn't (much of) an issue. Any money-intensive hobby (flying real airplanes, offshore racing) are out of the picture.3. It doesn't snow where I live, so winter sports are a no-no.4. It'd be nice if it didn't require a huge time commitment, a lot of analytical thinking and math. I need a hobby, not a second job.5. Low tech would be nice, too, but not required.

Any ideas???? TYIA!!

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You would be surprised how accessible flying a plane is. In Australia I'm getting a RAA licence (light weight planes but you can get some real nice ones) and it'll cost around 3-4 grand. Then you can pick up some second hand planes quite cheap (as low as $10 000) or even build your own.

Boats (even offshore) aren't that much either, a nice little wooden sloop 30 something foot (could sail around the world) can be bought for around $10 000, and licensing for small sail boats is usually quite easy.

if you can't think up stuff that you want to do, maybe you should reconsider your desire to get a hobby? i mean, I can think up a dozen things I wish I had time/money to explore!

taking an adult education class, and learn how to cook, dance, paint, throw clay pots, etc.learn how to work different tools in a machine shop, then get a part time job (or just rent time) in a machine shop and make cool stufflearn to sailtake up drinkingstart an herb garden

This runs the gamut of auto-cross (racing through cones), gymkhana, race track lapping days, time-attack (racing against the clock), all the way up to wheel to wheel (SCCA/NASA).

Cost is largely dependent on what you choose to do, wheel to wheel racing is obviously the most expensive, but auto-x can be done in just about any vehicle and only costs about $50. Track days range in price from $100 to $250 a day in your own car including instruction, but the real cost is a lot higher by the time you add on insur

Knitting does not require a lot of money to start and is quite relaxing to do. You can start with wash cloths, they are fast and easy to make. Then work your way to socks and stuff. The benefit is that you get to wear or use the stuff you made. The origins of knitting was started by the Marines a long time ago to keep the troops busy during down time, so don't think it is just for women.

I sing with an awesome chorus, the Northern Lights ( http://www.northernlightschorus.com/ [northernlightschorus.com] ). We've been ranked in the top five internationally for the last twelve years, but we're kinda fanatical about our singing. There are other groups near us that are less fanatical --

Yeah, it sounds like something your dad does, but it's actually quite cool.
Wide range of methods & disciplines...carving, turning, furniture, gizmos, toys, etc. to build. Lots of books/vids/how-to's out there. You can start small with some hand tools (not very expensive) & go from there. A great community of old-timers that love to share their knowledge. You can buy cheap wood at Lowe's or buy some exotic stuff from the hardwood shop. Best of all: Very gratifying to build something yourself &